What a U Visa Attorney Handles
The U Nonimmigrant Visa is a federal immigration benefit for victims of qualifying crimes who’ve suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who’ve helped — or are willing to help — law enforcement. As part of our broader immigration services, here’s what Attorney Ysabel Williams handles from
Eligibility Assessment
A full review of the situation to determine whether a client qualifies based on the crime, the injuries suffered, and the level of cooperation with law enforcement.
Form I-918 Preparation
Accurate completion of the primary U Visa petition, including all required supplemental forms and supporting documentation.
Law Enforcement Certification (Supplement B)
Coordination with the certifying law enforcement agency to secure the signed Form I-918, Supplement B. This is the single most important document in the case — and getting it signed is often the hardest part of the whole process.
Evidence Gathering & Organization
Compiling police reports, medical records, personal statements, and witness affidavits that document the crime and its impact.
Employment Authorization (EAD)
Filing for work authorization so clients can legally work in the U.S. while the case is pending.
Derivative Petitions for Family Members
Extending protection to eligible spouses, children, parents, and siblings through derivative U Visa status.
Adjustment of Status to Green Card
After three years of U Visa status, Attorney Ysabel Williams can guide clients through applying for permanent residency.
USCIS Communication & Case Monitoring
Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), tracking case status, and keeping clients informed at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies for a U Visa?
What crimes qualify for a U Visa?
USCIS recognizes dozens of qualifying crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, kidnapping, felonious assault, extortion, murder, manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. The crime must have happened in the United States or violated U.S. federal law, and the victim must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result.
Do I need to be undocumented to apply for a U Visa?
No — and this surprises a lot of people. U Visa eligibility isn’t limited to undocumented immigrants. That said, most applicants don’t have lawful status when they apply. The U Visa was specifically created to protect vulnerable people regardless of how they entered the country or what their current status is.
What does "substantial abuse" mean for U Visa eligibility?
It’s broader than most people think. USCIS looks at the severity of the injury, how permanent the harm is, and how the crime has affected the victim’s life. Physical injuries count — but so does psychological trauma. Ongoing fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are all recognized forms of substantial abuse. A victim doesn’t have to prove permanent injury to qualify.
Can family members qualify for a U Visa too?
Yes. The exact family members who qualify depend on the principal applicant’s age. If the applicant is under 21, eligible derivatives include a spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18. If the applicant is 21 or older, eligible derivatives are a spouse and unmarried children under 21. Family member visas don’t count against the annual cap.
What happens if the criminal case was never prosecuted?
It can still move forward. USCIS doesn’t require a conviction — or even a formal prosecution. What matters is that the victim was helpful, or is willing to be helpful, to law enforcement. If the certifying agency is willing to sign a Supplement B, the petition can proceed.
The U Visa Application Process
What is Form I-918 Supplement B and why does it matter?
Supplement B is the law enforcement certification that confirms the applicant cooperated — and honestly, getting it signed is often the hardest part of the whole case. It has to be signed by an authorized official from the relevant agency: a police department, prosecutor’s office, FBI, or another qualifying authority. Without it, a petition can’t be approved. Law enforcement agencies aren’t always quick to sign, and some push back entirely. That’s where having an attorney who knows how to work with these agencies makes a real difference.
How long does the U Visa process take?
It’s a long road. Processing times often range from three to five years because of the annual 10,000 cap. The good news: once USCIS receives a petition and deems it bona fide, they may grant deferred action and work authorization while the case waits. That means clients can legally live and work in the U.S. during the pending period — which matters a lot given the timeline.
What is the U Visa annual cap and how does it affect my case?
Congress capped principal U Visas at 10,000 per year. When that limit is hit, USCIS puts approved petitioners on a waiting list. During that wait, many applicants receive deferred action and work authorization. Derivative visas for family members don’t count toward the cap — that’s worth knowing when planning a case.
Can I travel outside the U.S. while my U Visa is pending?
This is a situation where the answer is almost always: don’t, not without talking to an attorney first. Leaving the country while a petition is pending is risky. Departure can trigger bars to reentry and seriously jeopardize a case. My Visa Dream reviews each client’s specific travel situation before making any recommendations.
What documents do I need to file a U Visa petition?
The core documents typically include Form I-918 and Supplement B, a personal statement, police reports, medical records, evidence of cooperation, proof of identity, and Form I-192 if applicable for inadmissibility grounds. Every case is different, though. An attorney will build a full evidence package based on the specific facts.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Ysabel Williams for a U Visa Solutions
An immigration law firm built on lived experience. Founded by an immigrant attorney who understands what it means to navigate immigration law when your family’s future is on the line. After 20+ years representing families in federal court, Attorney Ysabel Williams knows that what matters most is direct attention, honest answers, and someone who actually fights for you. That’s the commitment here.
- 20+ years of hands-on immigration law experience
- Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
- Authorized federal practice: EOIR Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, Federal District Courts, Federal Courts of Appeals
- 2,000+ families successfully represented
- Bilingual Spanish-English representation by the attorney handling your case
